Austin man charged with smuggling firearms into Mexico
Victor Hugo Diego-Avellaneda was charged with attempting to smuggle firearms into Mexico. (U.S. Dept. of Justice)
A 39-year-old Austin man is facing charges after the U.S. Department of Justice said he was smuggling firearms into Mexico through Eagle Pass.
Victor Hugo Diego-Avellaneda was charged with one count of smuggling goods out of the United States.
What we know:
Prosecutors said Diego-Avellandea was attempting to leave the United States and enter Mexico through the Eagle Pass Port of Entry on Jan. 19.
He told Customs and Border Protection Officers he did not have weapons, ammunition or currency, prosecutors said.
A search of his vehicle found two large duffle bags with 40 rifles, six shotguns, one pistol, 80 magazines and two rifle scopes, an affidavit states.
The affidavit states Diego-Avellaneda said he was being paid $100 for each firearm and that 11 of the weapons belonged to him.
If convicted, he faces up to 10 years in federal prison.
What we don't know:
It is unknown who Diego-Avellandea was trying to sell the weapons to.
The Source: Information in this article comes from the U.S. District Attorney's office and an arrest affidavit.